According to TSN, with only one year left on a opotion deal, Alfredsson is close to signing a 4 year deal worth 22 million. It is said Alfredsson will be paid heavily in the first 2 years and then very light in the last two to balance out the salary hit. It is expected for the hit to be 9mil, 5mil, 5 mil, 3 mil.

Every year since the lockout when Philly GM Bobby Clarke sent an offer sheet to Vancouver’s Ryan Kessler there has been speculation on who is going to be signed to an offer sheet, which team is going to be forced to overpay for a restricted free agent.

The Montreal Canadiens have developed and improved as an organization under the aegis of Gainey, Boivin and Timmins. They have positioned themselves well for a shot at winning the big bowl. Patience, foresight and careful planning have translated into a tangible return on the ice for the team. The presence of former captains and Stanley Cup winners Gainey, Carbonneau and Muller has restored pride and commitment to the players in an organization that had lost its lustre and respect. A cycle of perennial replenishment has likely begun, as the organizational depth is considerable.

There is a trophy for most points and most goals but why not one for assists? Assists are just as important in a game of hockey as a goal, without an assist most of the times there is no goal. It would be named after Wayne Gretzky the most prolific passer ever to play the game. What do you think?

For years we have seen the likes of Pat Quinn and Paul Maurice favouring players on this leafs team merely based on popularity, they’re recognition among the toronto fans and media. It seems they have never learned that the name on the back of the sweater means nothing if you can’t contribute to the name on the front. We’ve seen too many players getting undeserved ice time for poor play. It seems this year the tables have turned, and there’s a new guy in town to lay down the law…

This is my look at how to turn the Thrashers from one of the leagues worst teams to a young contender in two years. I will be doing a mock trade (with the Canucks) and a couple of signings. Think of this article as dreaming that you or I will be the GM of a mis-ran organization and the start of a glorious career and be one of the next great GM in sports: right next to Billy Beane.